Hyperthermia Alert Issued In Montgomery County: Officials

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Montgomery County officials have issued a hyperthermia alert for Monday, Aug. 6 from noon to 6 p.m. With the heat index topping 95 degrees, citizens should watch out for heat injuries and take certain precautions.

The National Weather Service says we can expect a high temperature of 91. Alongside 77 percent humidity, that can lead to the high heat index and, potentially, heat injuries.

The county says taking these precautionary measures can help you avoid heat injuries:

• Stay hydrated (drink plenty of water, avoid caffeine and alcohol)
• Stay indoors in an air-conditioned place whenever possible
• Avoid strenuous activities outdoors
• If you're outdoors, wear sunscreen and light-colored, thin clothing
• Never leave pets, kids or the elderly in a parked car without air conditioning
• Pets tethered outside must have access to shade, shelter, and plenty of fresh water

Our neighbors in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties as well as Baltimore City are going through an orange air quality alert, meaning pollution levels are considered unsafe for certain vulnerable groups. Air quality alerts often coincide with high temperatures.

Heat injuries can be avoidable if you stay hydrated and cool. Heat cramps and the least serious of heat injuries and heat stroke is the most serious. Here are the types of injuries, according to Montgomery County officials:

• Heat cramps: symptoms include painful muscle spasms, usually involving the abdominal muscles or legs
• Heat exhaustion: first signs are cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, dizziness, nausea, headache and weakness
• Heat stroke: the most serious sign of overexposure. Symptoms include red, hot, dry skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing and changes in consciousness. Seek medical attention by calling 9-1-1.

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